Many teams previously scheduled what were known as “secret scrimmages” in the preseason where two programs would meet without fans or media in attendance. Results would sometimes be released, sometimes not. A score sheet might make it onto social media. Mostly, it would be whispers and knowing glances when coaches or players talked about the result.

This season, men’s college basketball programs can play up to two exhibition games that welcome fans and television or streaming coverage — remembering, of course, that the results won’t be reflected in either team’s overall record.

BYU coach Kevin Young has experience coaching in pro league exhibition games but said he honestly doesn’t know what to expect on Saturday.

“Well, it’s funny,” Young said. “I was talking to (Nebraska head coach) Fred Hoiberg, and I said, ‘Hey, man, look, this is really our first time doing it. So what do you want to do?’ We were just kind of having some conversations. It’s different in the NBA, because it’s no big deal. You just go play five or six exhibition games and off you go. Here, I think it now has become a big deal because it’s new. So I don’t really know what to make of all that. I’m just glad we’re playing a team like Nebraska, who’s going to be really organized offensively and going to challenge us.”

Young and Hoiberg discussed what sets they would use and what they expected to do during the exhibition.

“Honestly, man, I’m kind of learning on the fly as it relates to these exhibition games,” Young said. We did have an agreement on certain things. We’re not going to try to trick you, this will be our coverages and stuff like that. Just so we can both kind of get the most out of it.”

On Thursday, BYU senior Richie Saunders and much-hyped freshman AJ Dybantsa were selected to the preseason All-Big 12 team and they will be the key to the offensive attack on Saturday.

“I think the chemistry is good,” Young said. “I think AJ is an unselfish player. He’s a humble guy and he wants to be coached. I think his teammates respect that. I know he’s young but he’s going to be one of our leaders.

“I think Richie, clearly, is a quiet guy but you all know how much of a gamer he is. He’s been here and he knows what we’re about. He knows what this league is about so we’ll rely on him as well. But I think there are other guys, too. Rob (Wright), his experience playing in the Big 12 and will play a pivotal role, especially at that position. He’ll have to shoulder some of that load as well.”

BYU will face North Carolina in a second exhibition game at Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Friday, Oct. 24, with tip time at 7 p.m. MT. The game can be streamed on ESPN+.

Nebraska has a second exhibition game on Monday, Oct. 27, hosting Midland University at 6:30 p.m. CT.

Scouting Report

Hoiberg is in his seventh season in Lincoln. The Huskers finished 21-14 last year (7-13 in Big 10 play) and won the College Basketball Crown Championship with a 77-66 victory against UCF.

Leading scorer Brice Williams (20.4 points per game) is a free agent with the Detroit Pistons and double-digit scorer Juwan Gary (14.6 ppg) has also run out of eligibility.

Nebraska has been picked to finish 14th (out of 18) in the preseason Big Ten media poll.

Hoiberg said Saturday he will start Rhode Island transfer guard Jamarques Lawrence (9.9 ppg for the Rams), junior guard Cale Jacobsen, 6-10 junior forward Berke Buyuktuncel (6.0 ppg), 6-7 junior Iowa transfer Pryce Sandford (16.7 ppg) and 6-10 senior post Rienk Mast, who missed all of last season due to injury but averaged 12.3 points and 7.5 rebounds per game in 2023-24.

Hoiberg is well aware the Cougars have been voted No. 8 in the preseason AP poll and picked to finish second to national runner-up Houston in the Big 12.

“They are a really athletic, long, skilled roster that’s going to give us a lot of challenges,” Hoiberg said. “Whatever happens on Saturday, we’re going to learn from it, we’re going to grow from it and we’re going to be better from it. We can’t overreact on what happens out there on Saturday, being the first time. It’s going to be a really good first opportunity for us to get out there.

“We’ve exchanged some basic film and just seen their personnel. What I’ve seen is length, athleticism and shooting. They are the whole package an their ranking is very well deserved. I think that team is going to be there at the end this year.”

Men’s College Basketball

Exhibition Game

BYU at Nebraska

Saturday, 11 a.m. MT

Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Neb.

TV/Streaming: Big10+

Radio: Nebraska Huskers Audio (radio and live streaming)

Live stats: byucougars.com

The Word: BYU is 4-1 all-time against Nebraska and won the last meeting 88-66 in 2009 at Orleans Arena in the Las Vegas Classic. Jimmer Fredette scored 24 points and Jackson Emery added 23 for the Cougars in the win. … The last time the Cougars visited Lincoln for a men’s basketball game was in 1935. … Nebraska will come to Provo next season in a return exhibition game at the Marriott Center. … The Big Ten Network is offering a one-time Pay-Per-View option of $8.99 for this event and can be purchased online.